Largeflower Speargrass: A Hardy Northern Native for Cold Climate Gardens
If you’re gardening in the far north and looking for a resilient native grass that can handle whatever winter throws at it, largeflower speargrass (Poa eminens) might just be your new best friend. This unassuming perennial grass is one tough customer, perfectly adapted to some of North America’s most challenging growing conditions.
What is Largeflower Speargrass?
Largeflower speargrass is a native perennial grass that belongs to the broader family of grasses and grass-like plants. Don’t let the name fool you – while it’s called largeflower, this grass produces small purple blooms that aren’t particularly showy. The real appeal lies in its hardiness and ecological value as a native species.
This rhizomatous grass grows to about 2 feet tall with fine-textured green foliage that creates a dense carpet during the growing season. In winter, the foliage becomes more porous, giving it a different seasonal character that adds subtle interest to the landscape.
Where Does It Call Home?
Largeflower speargrass is a true northerner, native to Alaska and Canada. You’ll find it naturally growing across British Columbia, Alaska, Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, and Newfoundland – basically, if it gets really cold where you live, this grass probably evolved there too.
Why Choose Largeflower Speargrass?
Here are the compelling reasons to consider this native grass for your landscape:
- Extreme cold tolerance: This grass can survive temperatures as low as -52°F, making it perfect for zones 1-3
- Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and requires less maintenance than non-native alternatives
- Moderate growth rate: Establishes well without becoming aggressive
- Versatile moisture tolerance: Can handle both wetland and upland conditions
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
Perfect Garden Situations
Largeflower speargrass shines in several landscape scenarios:
- Naturalistic and wild gardens
- Restoration projects
- Erosion control on slopes
- Transitional areas between wet and dry zones
- Low-maintenance groundcover in harsh climates
It’s particularly valuable for gardeners who want to create habitat that supports native wildlife while dealing with challenging northern growing conditions.
Growing Conditions and Care
This grass is refreshingly unfussy about its growing conditions, though it does have some preferences:
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun (intolerant of shade)
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types, pH 5.0-7.5
- Moisture: Medium drought tolerance, medium anaerobic tolerance
- Climate: Needs at least 120 frost-free days
- Hardiness: Extremely cold hardy (USDA zones 1-3)
Planting and Establishment Tips
Getting largeflower speargrass established in your garden is straightforward:
- Propagation: Best grown from seed or sod – it’s routinely available commercially
- Seeding: With about 2.2 million seeds per pound, a little goes a long way
- Planting density: Use 5,120 to 20,000 plants per acre depending on your goals
- Establishment: Shows high seedling vigor and moderate regrowth after cutting
- Spread: Will slowly expand via rhizomes at a moderate rate
Wildlife and Ecological Benefits
As a native grass, largeflower speargrass provides important habitat and food sources for northern wildlife. While it’s wind-pollinated (so don’t expect it to attract lots of bees), it serves as cover for small animals and its seeds feed various bird species. The grass also plays a role in preventing soil erosion, particularly important in areas with freeze-thaw cycles.
Is This Grass Right for You?
Largeflower speargrass is an excellent choice if you’re gardening in extremely cold climates and want a low-maintenance native option. It’s perfect for naturalistic gardens, restoration projects, or anywhere you need reliable groundcover that won’t quit when the temperature drops.
However, if you’re looking for flashy ornamental appeal or garden in warmer zones, you might want to consider other native grass options better suited to your specific region and aesthetic goals.
For northern gardeners committed to native plantings and sustainable landscaping, largeflower speargrass offers the rare combination of extreme hardiness, ecological value, and genuine low-maintenance appeal. Sometimes the most unassuming plants make the biggest difference in creating resilient, beautiful landscapes.
